If you’ve ever received the devastating news that your dog has cancer, you know the overwhelming emotions that come with it. The fear of losing your beloved pet can be paralyzing, but in these difficult times, it’s important to stay strong and focus on doing what’s best for your furry friend. In this article, we’ll provide you with seven helpful tips for dealing with cancers in dogs. From following your veterinarian’s advice to exploring alternative therapies, we’ll guide you through this challenging journey and help you provide the love and care that your dog needs to fight this disease. Together, we can make the best choices for your furry companion and support them every step of the way.
Follow the Veterinarian’s advice
It is important to keep track of the dog’s health after a cancer diagnosis, even when the animal is in the recovery phase. The disease can strike back anytime, so a constant vigil is essential. Stay in touch with your vet and inform them about the slightest signs of something being amiss with the pet. Regular checkups and follow-up diagnostic tests are equally significant to keep cancer from relapsing. Also, follow the vet’s advice regarding diet, exercise, symptom monitoring, and support. If you have doubts, don’t hesitate to call the vet because timely action can be life-saving for your canine companion.
Focus on a healing diet for your pet
Apart from the apt treatment, a healing diet goes a long way in helping dogs with cancer. Tumor cells thrive on carbohydrates, so you must curb them in the canine diet. Ideally, the nutrient profile for such dogs should include no more than 25% carbohydrate. Check the food labels to ensure that you pick the right dietary option for the pet. You can opt for foods relatively high in fat instead. Omega-3 fatty acids are specifically beneficial because they have an anti-tumor effect. Opt for a diet with a low glycemic index. Fruits such as apples, berries, and bananas are ideal choices. You can add honey, peas, brown rice, and oatmeal to the pet’s daily diet. Check with your vet for further guidance.
Non Prescription Supplements
There are products on the market that can improve the quality of life for your dog while they are fighting cancer. Consider putting your dog on a supplement that helps them deal with cancer. When your dog’s body is receiving optimal nutrients, it can fight the disease at its best. Some of these supplements claim even to inhibit the growth rate of cancers in your dog.
Learn to recognize your dog’s pain
You may have some trouble assessing the level of pain of the animal. But it is easy to learn to recognize the signs eventually. While dogs tend to hide discomfort, abnormal behavior is a telltale sign. Experts suggest that pacing, excessive panting, limping, and refusing to lie down are the indications of canine pain. As the animal’s health declines, you may see a gradual slowdown. Loss of appetite, insomnia, and difficulty breathing are warning signs that your pet is suffering. If any changes in your pet’s behavior are noted, you must seek medical help right away. Early intervention can help ease the symptoms, even for dying dogs.
Try alternative therapies
When it comes to conventional cancer treatments for canines, they may or may not work. Additionally, the side effects can make life difficult for your pet. You can discuss alternative therapies with your vet to increase the chances of recovery or simply for minimizing the side effects. Countless dog owners profess the benefits of CBD oil for dogs with cancer from personal experience. CBD has anti-cancer properties and can even prevent metastasis. It also offers immune support. There are good chances that it may curb the spread of a cancerous mass and control the return in dogs. Seek advice on the best products and correct dosage with CBD as an alternative therapy.
Keep your dog active
Even as your dog struggles with cancer, you must take the appropriate steps to keep it active. Exercise boosts the chances of recovery and also enables the animal to enjoy the remaining lifespan. Please keep in mind not to press the pet too hard for activity. Gentle playtime with pet toys is an excellent option to keep it busy and happy. Low-stress activities that focus on good mobility are ideal for a sick dog. If the dog has bone cancer, prioritize easy walls because the condition elevates the risk of fractures. Even as you keep the animal active, ensure that it gets ample rest breaks between the exercise sessions.
Consider ways to handle your pet’s anxiety
Cancer is a challenging disease to deal with, even for animals that hardly understand the implications. You can expect to see canine anxiety besides the pain and physical symptoms. It is vital to have a strategy to deal with dog anxiety so that you can keep the animal happy and comfortable. Once again, CBD can come to your rescue by treating canine anxiety naturally. Spend as much time as possible with the pet and never leave it alone because loneliness causes separation anxiety. Know the triggers such as lightning, thunder, and firecrackers. Try to eliminate them from the pet’s life. Reassuring words and petting go a long way with anxiety relief.
Be mentally prepared for the battle
Remember that life will not be the same after your pet gets diagnosed with cancer. You have to be mentally prepared for the battle because the road is long and arduous. Recovery may or may not happen, so you must be ready to face the worst. Get the best vet for the pet because they will give the proper treatment and recommendations for the canine. The idea of losing your canine companion can be torturous, but you must learn to cope with the emotions. Consider investing in safety and care aids for the animal because it will need them eventually. You may even have to admit it to a care center for end-of-life care, so have an emotional and financial plan in place.
Regular Checkups and Follow-up
It is important to keep track of the dog’s health after a cancer diagnosis, even when the animal is in the recovery phase. The disease can strike back anytime, so a constant vigil is essential. Stay in touch with your vet and inform them about the slightest signs of something being amiss with the pet. Regular checkups and follow-up diagnostic tests are equally significant to keep cancer from relapsing. Also, follow the vet’s advice regarding diet, exercise, symptom monitoring, and support. If you have doubts, don’t hesitate to call the vet because timely action can be life-saving for your canine companion.
Monitor and Manage Symptoms
Learning to recognize the signs of pain in your dog is crucial for managing their symptoms. Look out for abnormal behavior such as pacing, excessive panting, limping, and refusal to lie down. Loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and changes in sleep patterns are also indicators of distress. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning signs. They can help manage your dog’s symptoms and ensure their comfort throughout the cancer journey.
Provide Emotional Support
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging for both you and your dog. It’s important to provide emotional support to your furry friend during this difficult time. Spend quality time with your dog, offer reassurance, and engage in activities that they enjoy. Pay attention to any signs of anxiety or distress and address them promptly. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through. Remember, your love and presence can make a significant difference in your dog’s emotional well-being.
By following the veterinarian’s advice, focusing on a healing diet, recognizing your dog’s pain, exploring alternative therapies, keeping your dog active, managing their anxiety, and being mentally prepared for the battle, you can provide the best possible care for your dog with cancer. Regular checkups and symptom monitoring, along with emotional support, will further contribute to your dog’s well-being and quality of life. Remember, every moment you spend with your beloved pet is precious, and your love and dedication will make a difference in their journey.
